Eastern Wayne wrestlers continue late-season surge

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on January 23, 2005 2:00 AM

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The Eastern Wayne wrestling team continued its late-season surge by claiming a tri-meet Friday evening against county rival Rosewood and South Johnston.

The Warriors knocked off the Eagles for the second time this season, 39-36, and nearly doubled up the Trojans 52-29. Coach Mike Brown's squad earned victories No. 5 and 6 in its last seven outings and carries a 16-6 worksheet into next Tuesday's season-ending battle against Charles B. Aycock.

The winner secures the No. 2 seed from the Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference for the N.C. High School Athletic Association dual-team playoffs. First- and second-round play is scheduled for Feb. 1. The loser acquires the No. 3 seed.

"We wrestled strong and we're clicking," said Warriors assistant coach Bruce Burridge. "Hopefully we're reaching our peak right now. It doesn't look like we're tired (late in the match) and the guys stay pumped with plenty of energy.

"It's looking good."

Brian Lincoln, the Warriors' 160-pounder, pinned Chris Holmes in 1 minute, 25 seconds to start the Rosewood match. Returning state qualifiers Travis Turner (171) and David Brown (189) followed with first-period pins of their own for an 18-0 advantage.

Clayton Taylor and heavyweight Michael Sander stopped the quick run with a decision and pin, respectively. However, Eastern Wayne answered with wins from freshman Chris Tesar (103) and Josh Stevens (119).

Rosewood, of the Carolina/Tar-Roanoke Athletic 1-A Conference, stayed within striking distance. J.D. Baker seized a pin at 112, while Dustin Sittig (125) and Matt Davis (130) added pins to forge a 27-27 tie.

Jeremiah Goodson's 10-7 triumph against Decarlos Jones pushed the Eagles ahead 30-27. Joey Burridge (140) and Timmy Brown (145) notched back-to-back pins to secure the Warriors' nail-biting victory.

The Eagles' Jeff McCumber pinned Oscar Suncin to close out the match.

Eastern Wayne dominated South Johnston, of the Triangle Alliance 4-A Conference. Coach Brown's team recorded five pins in the first seven individual bouts to gain control.

Rosewood handed the Trojans a 64-20 defeat. The Eagles prevailed in 10 matches -- all by pin. They will play host to the C/T-RC tournament next Saturday, which is scheduled for a 10 a.m. start.

-- By RUDY COGGINS